Community Calendar

Friday

Sep 28, 2012 at 7:16 AM

Reception to welcome artist Nancy Pitcher: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 29, for her oil and watercolor paintings in an exhibit titled "The Beauty Around Us" at the Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. View the artwork, meet the artist and enjoy some free refreshments. It will be displayed to Oct. 31. 629-3061.

• Reception to welcome artist Nancy Pitcher: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 29, for her oil and watercolor paintings in an exhibit titled "The Beauty Around Us" at the Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. View the artwork, meet the artist and enjoy some free refreshments. It will be displayed to Oct. 31. 629-3061.

• Candidates meet and greet: Saw Creek Estates Community Association in Lehman Township will hold an informal meet and greet with Pennsylvania State Rep. Rosemary Brown, 0-189, and her challenger, Liz Forrest, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Top of the World Restaurant. Candidates will be available to answer questions about important campaign issues. The event is open to the public.

• Pike County Humane Society tricky tray: Sept. 29 at the Delaware Valley Middle School on Route 6/209 in Westfall. Features 200 trays of prizes valued at $50 or more. Admission is $5 and includes one sheet of tickets. Doors open at 2 p.m., and calling starts at 4 p.m. Refreshments will be available. 570-296-7654.

• Cupcake Challenge: Oct. 1 at Shawnee Inn with 40 challengers already committed to three varieties of cupcakes: Best Autumn Theme, Most Creative and Best Overall. A People's Choice award will be given, too. The event is complimentary to attend; however, a $10 donation is required to purchase first five cupcakes. All proceeds benefits the United Way of Monroe County.

• The Great Monroe County Snipe Hunt: Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. to Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. This 24-hour birding adventure at the Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in Bartonsville pits teams in competition for the coveted Great Monroe County Snipe Hunt Trophy. Think of it as a scavenger hunt for birds. Each bird species is given a point value, the rarer the bird the greater it's worth. Cost: $15/person. All participating team members will receive an official Great Monroe County Snipe Hunt license. Registration deadline is Oct. 3. For a copy of the rules and registration info, call the center at 570-629-3061.

• Bird feeding: On Oct. 6, join Environmental Educator Karen N. Boyle for a program from 10 to 11 a.m. on feeding birds. Program is at the Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in Bartonsville. Cost: $5 nonmembers, $3 center members and age 11 and younger. To preregister for the program, call the center at 570-629-3061.

• Pine Ridge and Bushkill Community Church Family Benefit Dinner: Oct. 6, 6 to 9 p.m., Pine Ridge Clubhouse, Bushkill. $5. Benefit for members of the Vaughan family who recently lost their son, Sammy, 4. Come out for a community dinner to help the family with expenses. Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and desserts. For reservations, call Lisa Alba 570-588-2538, Bob Maikranz at 570-431-4000, or Jill at the Pine Ridge Clubhouse at 570-588-9185.

• Pike County Public Library Board of Directors meeting: 9:30 a.m. Mon., at the Delaware Valley School District Administration Building.

• Lehman Township inaugural Car Show: Takes place during at Community Day — Magic at The Mount! on Sept. 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Mountain Laurel Performing Arts Center. Representatives will be on hand to explain their community organizations and the Bushkill Volunteer Fire Company, Bushkill Emergency Corps, Boy Scout Troop 87 and the Bushkill / Smithfields Lions Club will sell food. It ends with a fireworks display at 8 p.m. To register for the car show, contact Joe Peritore at 570-588-1446 or Ernesto Mcfaline at 570-851-1199. There is a $5 registration fee in advance or $10 if you register the day of the event. Trophies will be awarded to the top three cars, and the first 50 cars will receive a commemorative dash plaque. The entire event will take place rain or shine as most activities can be moved indoors.

• Donations needed for veterans: The Prospect and Laurelwood Cemeteries are asking the community to assist the Monroe County Joint Veterans Honor Guard. The MCJVHC is a nonprofit veterans organization that needs donations to help purchase new clothing such as overcoats and fleece gloves for the winter. Mail new clothing to or drop off donations at: The Prospect Cemetery, 501 Prospect St., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, 570-424-0970; The Laurelwood Cemetery, 901 Bryant St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360, 570-421-8230; or the Monroe County Joint Veterans Honor Guard, 548 Pleasant Ridge Road, Cresco, PA 18326, attn: Thomas Bowditch, Commander Rifle Squad, 570-595-7145. Make any money donations by check payable to the Monroe County Joint Veterans Honor Guard.

• The National Park Service published for public review the draft Statement of Findings: This document accompanies the environmental review of PPL Electric Utilities Corporations and Public Service Electric and Gas Co. Susquehanna-Roseland Transmission Line proposal and documents NPS compliance with Executive Order 11990, "Protection of Wetlands" and Executive Order 11988, "Floodplain Management." The applicant proposes to expand the size of the current right of way, access the ROW through existing and natural and cultural areas, construct new and taller towers, and remove and replace the existing 230 kilovolt (kV) line with a new double-circuit 500 kV line across the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River, and Appalachian National Scenic Trail, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The draft Statement of Findings is available for review and comment on the NPS website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsOpenForReview.cfm?parkID=220&projectID=25147

• Operation: Touch of Home collection drive: Needs names and addresses of area military men and women serving in Afghanistan and other hostile areas overseas for its Nov. 11 essentials shipment. Family members or friends with this information can email touchofhome@hotmail.com or mail information on the form that can be obtained on the website's "GI Info" page to address Operation: Touch of Home, P. O. Box 162, Brodheadsville, PA 18322. Include GI's name, rank, address and deploy dates, which are critical, and provide contact info of provider. Visit www.operationtouchofhome.org.

• Trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Cultural arts tour to Abu Dhabi and Dubai from March 15-23 will featured a visit to the Burj Khalifa, museums, a university, school, hospital and more. Take a camel ride, desert safari excursion and take part in henna tattooing and belly dancing. This trip is being planned by Dr. Irene Mitchel, professor emeritus, East Stroudsburg University. For information, call Irene Mitchel at 421-2648 or email imitchel@po-box,esu.edu.

• Pike Library book drop in Lehman Township: It has been moved to the lobby of the Lehman Township municipal building with the closing of Bushkill Corners where the box was located previously. Books can be left during normal office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays or on the first and third Wednesday evenings from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

• The Mount Pocono Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 207: Welcomes new members who can join during 7 p.m. Tuesday-night meetings at Tobyhanna Army Depot in Building 1016. For details, call Squadron Commander Captain Franklin S. Shinn at 213-2376. Directions and additional information can be found on the squadron's website www.cap207.com.

• Lehman townships street number signs for readdressing: Deadline extended to May 31. They are available at the townships municipal building and the signs cost $12 and are $15 for the post and hardware, which can be ordered through the Bushkill Emergency Corps.

• A club of Navy, Marine and Coast Guard veterans and reservists: Is being formed for Monroe County residents. To join, call Robert "Ski" Siesputowski at 645-3643. Siesputowski, a Monroe native, has formed a club in Carbon County and needs at least 23 members for a charter to elect officers and set a place and date for meetings to become a part of the Pennsylvania Navy Squadron.

• The Grey Towers Heritage Association: Is looking for photographs of Grey Towers National Historic Site for use in developing signature items for fundraising or as specialty items. Novice, student and professional photographers are encouraged to submit photos that capture the beauty of the Grey Towers historic, natural and conservation essence of the grounds, landscape, buildings and outdoor artifacts and features. Photos from all seasons are being sought. For more information about the photography project or other questions, contact the GTHA at 296-9625 or by email at info@greytowers.org.

• Pocono Flute Choir Area flutists: Age 14 and older with at least three years playing experience are invited to join the new Pocono Flute Choir for rehearsals and performance in the Poconos area. Rehearsals will be held on the first and third Sundays of each month, from 6 to 8 p.m. p.m., at the Fitzmaurice building at 2115 N. Fifth St. in Stroudsburg. Dr. Otis French of East Stroudsburg University is the conductor of the group. Associate conductors are Dorothy Mohr and Bob Riday.

• The Monroe County Board of Commissioners: Is looking for county residents interested in serving on assorted advisory boards, authorities and commissions. These volunteer positions help direct, provide oversight, suggestions to or help oversee assorted county agencies and/or authorities. All boards meet monthly with some additional meetings needed as required. Additional information on particular boards can be obtained by contacting the commissioners' office by phoning 517-3102 or e-mailing rgress@co.monroe.pa.us. Letters of interest may also be mailed to the Monroe County Commissioners, 1 Quaker Plaza, Room 201 Stroudsburg, PA 18360.

• Wanted for Touch of Home: Names and addresses of area troops serving in Afghanistan to be recipients of periodic essentials shipments. Family members or friends with this information can contact: touchofhome@hotmail.com or mail to Operation: Touch of Home, P. O. Box 162, Brodheadsville, PA 18322. GI's name, rank, address and deploy dates are critical; also provide contact info of provider. Volunteers needed. See Web site "events" page at www.operationtouchofhome.org.

• Become a 4-H volunteer: Share your skills, talents and special interest in a single project area, such as photography, community service, computers, sewing, food & nutrition, care of animals, or whatever is best for you. There are more than 150 different projects available in 4-H. Competent, caring adults who are concerned about youth are also needed to serve as volunteer leaders of organized 4-H clubs (five or more members, between the ages of 8 and 19). 4-H has developed policies and procedures to ensure that 4-H programs take place in a positive and safe environment. All individuals must successfully complete the Penn State Cooperative Extension's screening process for volunteers before volunteer work can begin. If you would like to volunteer or want more information, contact Sherri Abbruzzi, 4-H Educator at 570-421-6430.

• Equi-librium training: Equi-librium, a therapeutic horseback riding program, invites anyone age 14 and older to become a volunteer horse leader or sidehelper for children and adults with special needs. Daytime or evening opportunities are available. Training is free. It's a great opportunity for those needing service or practicum hours. For information and to register for training, call the Equi-librium office at 570-992-7722. To learn more about Equi-librium, visit www.equi-librium.org.

• RSVP volunteer opportunities: Senior Corps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is a volunteer referral agency designed to develop meaningful opportunities for people of retirement age, 55 and over to participate more fully in the life of their communities through volunteer service. Volunteers are always needed to drive people to doctor appointments, to grocery shop for homebound people, to help with yard maintenance or to perform minor home repairs. Volunteers also help local nonprofit agencies, teach someone to read, mentor at-risk youth, deliver meals and tutor children. RSVP is initiating an Interactive Story Telling School for preschool children and needs volunteers to introduce books to youngsters and to stimulate their interest in reading. Training will be provided and school clearance will be required for all volunteers. There is a need for several volunteers to help parks in Smithfield, Middle Smithfield and Delaware Water Gap create new trails and all inclusive playgrounds. For details, contact RSVP. Volunteers are needed to help in various capacities at the Special Olympics to be held in the spring. Sign up now to be involved in this major event. Donations of new socks, clean yarn, and kitchen utensils are needed. To volunteer or donate, contact Merle Turitz at the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program office at 411 Main St., Suite 102B, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, or call 570-420-3747.

• Pike 4-H Club: For information on any Pike County 4-H program, call Penn State Extension at 570-296-3400

• Poconos Environmental Center: For more information and to register for any events call 570-828-2319 or visit peec.org.

• Directions to Monroe County Environmental Education Center: From Stroudsburg (or Exit 302 from I-80 West or 302B from I-80 East) go north on Route 611 to the traffic light after the truck stop in Bartonsville, and turn left onto Rimrock Drive. Follow Rimrock Drive. for 0.4 mile, bear right onto N. Easton-Belmont Pike, go 0.2 mile, then bear right onto Running Valley Road. The center is 0.7 mile on left.

• Bushkill/Smithfields Lions Club: It holds monthly meetings on the second Mon. at 6 p.m. at Pizzaro's in Middle Smithfield. For details, call Lions Secretary Roseann VanWhy at 570-588-6812.

• Amputee Support Group: Led by Amy S. Riben of Bushkill will now be meeting at the Eastern Monroe Public Library from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 23 and Nov. 27. Individuals interested in attending can call Amy at 570-588-3027. The free monthly support group meetings seek to offer emotional support, information and fun.

• Monroe County Earth Science Association meets the first Wed. of the month at the Eastern Monroe Public Library, Route 611, in the Community Room at 7 p.m. and holds field trips and digs throughout the year. Yearly memberships are available for a nominal fee. For more information, e-mail quartz7228@aol.com, or poconorose@peoplepc.com, or call 570-595-3787.

• The Monroe County Beekeepers Association: meets on the second Wed. from February through November. Meetings are held at the Monroe County Environmental Education Center at 8050 Running Valley Road in Stroudsburg from 7 to 9 p.m. Every meeting features an educational presentation, refreshments and a raffle. For more information, call 570-595-3265 or visit the website www.monroecountybeekeepers.com.

• Stroud Community Club: Is a nonprofit organization that contributes to local charities, organizations, and more. We welcome newcomers for lunch and interesting programs on the second Thurs. at noon at the Pocono Inne Town, Main and Seventh streets, Stroudsburg. There are no meetings in July or August. For details, call Sheila at 570-424-8855 or Florence at 570-421-4353.

• Monroe County Multisport Club: Meets the fourth Fri. at 6:15 p.m. at No Limits Personal Training, 366 N. Courtland St., East Stroudsburg. This is a newly formed club in the area looking for people who might be interested in bicycling, running, swimming and/or kayaking. The goal is to help people become healthier through a more active lifestyle. For info, call Don at 570-420-0676.

• African American Network: Meets the third Sat. at noon at the Hughes Public Library 1002 N. Ninth St., Stroudsburg. 570-588-5065, AANPoconos@yahoo.com or visit AANPoconos.org.

• Stroudsburg Little Bethel Historical Association: Meets the second Thurs. at 7 p.m. at the Eastern Monroe Public Library at 1002 N. Ninth St., Stroud Township near the Stroud Mall.

• National Council of Negro Women Inc.: Meets the second Sun. at 3 p.m. at the Loder Building, 62 Analomink St., East Stroudsburg near Dansbury Depot. The association, founded in 1935, has 4.5 million members internationally and welcomes new members locally during the current unity membership drive. Call President Cynthia Cummings at 570-839-5910 for information.

• The Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Support Group will meet in the community room at the Eastern Monroe Public Library at 1002 N. Ninth Street in Stroudsburg the first Mon. from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. For info, contact Meg Harding at the gignepa@gmail.com.

• Middle Smithfield Presbyterian Church: A free meal is offered every Sun. from 2 to 3 p.m. You do not need to belong to any church. 570-223-8648.

• Kids on Stage — Performing Arts Classes for Children: The Shawnee Playhouse presents STARS, the Shawnee Theatrical Arts Resource School, is taking registration for its next series of classes. These classes focus specifically on the techniques of performance. Far beyond learning a single speech or song, STARS helps students discover how to deliver any line, performance, or presentation with confidence and presence. Each six-week session offers children an introduction to many aspects of theatre through stage movement, dance, music, art, creative games, role play, and scene study. Class size will be limited to 10 students for ample one-on-one attention and to provide a supportive, nonthreatening environment in which to learn successfully. 570-421-5093 .theshawneeplayhouse.com.

• Helping You Heal Your Hurts, Habits and Hangups: The Breaking Free Recovery Center meets Sun. from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Reformed Church of Bushkill, Route 209. All it costs is your time. For info, contact Robert Rozsay at rrozsay@ptd.net or 570-828-6389 or 570-688-8199.

• Nicotine Anonymous: Meets Wed. at 6 p.m. at the Zion United Church of Christ at 14 N. Eighth St., Stroudsburg, and Sat. at 6:30 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church 205 N. Seventh St. (basement) Stroudsburg. For info, phone Pat C. at 570-992-3011.

• Healing Organization: Seeking volunteers who love to pray for the sick. Our resume of successes include healing diseases such as cancer and HIV-AIDS. To meet in the Marshalls Creek area; place and time TBD by group. Call Don at 917-968-0440.

• Emotional Eating Support Group meets at 6 p.m. first and third Mon. at the Center 4 Well-Being on Route 390 in Mountainhome. $5 per meeting. Contact Lani Culley for more details by phone at 570-595-6250 or e-mail healthy-living@LaniCulley.com.

• Reiki Share: If you are trained in Reiki and would like an opportunity to give and receive, join us for an evening of sharing the last Fri. at 6:30 p.m. at the Center 4 Well-Being on Route 390 in Mountainhome. Free. For more details, contact Lani Culley by phone at 570-595-6250 or e-mail healthy-living@LaniCulley.com.

• Playgroups Inc.: is a nonprofit charitable group to support mothers of infants and preschoolers living in Monroe and Pike Counties. We assist moms in forming playgroups. We promote education and socialization among children and moms by sponsoring educational activities, crafts, and holiday/seasonal and theme parties. It includes small playgroups, field trips, educational events, guest speakers, parties, social events, family picnics, monthly newsletter and an online community. For more info contact Meredith by e-mail at playgroupsmembership@yahoo.com or by phone at 570-223-7066 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Holistic Moms Pike County chapter: Meets the second Sat. at the Earth Gate Conference Center, 1881 Route 739, Dingmans Ferry, hosting a variety of speakers on natural health and parenting topics. Call Rachel Chaput, chapter leader, at 570-369-8989 for details. New members are welcome.

• Poconos Chapter of Holistic Moms Network: Interested in organic living? Green living? Holistic lifestyles? Natural parenting? A nonjudgmental group offers support, education and friendship. Group meets the last Saturday and second Tuesday. Speakers, open forums, playgroups, field trips, workshops, Annual Natural Living Conference and more! Want to Join a community of like-minded parents? Contact Nina DeSanto by e-mail at ninadesan@yahoo.com or phone 570-269-8299 or visit www.holisticmoms.org.

• The Compassionate Friends of the Poconos: The mission of The Compassionate Friends is to assist families in the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age, and to provide information to help others be supportive. Meetings are free and open to the public, held on the second Thursday of each month at Our Lady of Victory Church, Cherry Lane Road, Tannersville. All bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to attend these meetings, along with any friends for support. We are part of a national nonprofit, self-help support organization that offers friendship and understanding to those who have lost a child or sibling. There is no religious affiliation, and no membership dues or fees. For details, e-mail camfam@ptd.net.

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of the Poconos: Meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Wednesday at Pocono Medical Center, Brodhead Room off the main entrance. For further information, contact Eileen at 570-620-1865 or Nat at 570-588-2267.

• The Young and the Rest of Us, senior group of Winona Lakes: Meets the first Wednesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. All Winona Lakes members 55 years of age and over are welcome.

• Auxiliary American Legion Post 346: Women meeting the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m., East Fifth Street, East Stroudsburg. For more information, call Elaine at 570-420-3890.

• Pocono Network of Professionals: Is a social-business networking group of local individuals who like to have fun with the company of others. Call Nat Caputi at 570-588-2267.

• Pocono Outdoor Club: The POC is a friendly hiking group open to all individuals interested in exploring the trails in the Pocono Mountains. For more information on any of these hikes, e-mail poconooutdoorclub@yahoo.com or visit www.myspace.com/poconooutdoorclub.

• Reformed Church of Bushkill: Worship service every Sun. at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. We offer nursery services during Sunday school and worship. Fourth Sunday — Chancel and Gospel Choirs sing Fellowship time after morning service, and a light dinner precedes evening service. Sunday School is offered September to May at 9:15 a.m. for both adult Bible study and children ages3 through eighth grade. Located on Route 209, opposite the Fairway Villas. For information, call 570-588-6773.

• Shawnee Presbyterian Church: Come join in worship in the historic church every Sunday at 11 a.m. (Shawnee Church Road, off of River Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware), 570-421-5518. Pastor: Karl Viernstein. Tune in to the radio ministry on 104.9 FM or 101.07 FM.

• Genesis, the Church: Is at 3015 Milford Road (Business Route 209) in East Stroudsburg, a half-mile south of Marshalls Creek. Worship service: Sun. at 10 a.m. Nursery and children's programs available during the service. Pastor John Stover holds a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary and a DMin from Reformed Theological Seminary. Everyone is welcome to come experience our exciting worship and relevant verse-by-verse Bible study. Call for information: 866-272-5047.

• Mountain Stream Baptist Church: Worship service Sun. at 11 a.m. at the Resica Elementary School off Resica Falls Rd (Route 402), two miles north of Marshalls Creek. Call 570-856-3310 or visit www.mountainstreamchurch.com.

• St. Mark's Lutheran Church: River Road near Smithfield School. Country church offering casual, friendly worship. Sun. service 10 a.m. Sunday School second and fourth Sun. at 9 a.m. Turn off River Road at the signs for Wordsworth and church, follow signs.

• St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Smithfield: Call 570-223-9422, the Rev. John Harding, 8 a.m. until noon. Take Craig's Meadow Road off Route 209 at Country Kettle Gift Shop. Church is one-quarter mile down the road. Worship services on Sun. at 8:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Sunday School and adult Bible study, 9 a.m. On each fifth Sunday of a month, a service of healing will be held.

• The Alabaster Box Worship and Arts Center: Is a gathering of worshipers and lovers of God focusing on Jesus through music and the arts. Artists are encouraged to do their art as people worship. Spontaneous dance is also welcome. Every Sat. night, 7 to 10 p.m., all ages invited to the Middle Smithfield Presbyterian Church on Route 209. 570-688-7461. myspace.com/alabasterboxworship. abwa@ptd.net.